What I am thankful for

The first snow!! Yes we have had enough snow to make a snowman!

The volcano Braeden and I made, then we made it erupt!

A cell model Kayla and I made.

First day of school!!

First day of school!!

Camp out

Baseball

Kayla had a birthday!! She is 8!!

The boys made cars at Kayla's party

The girls had a spa party and painted their nails and made glitter lotion!

I decided to make a list of things I am thankful for and put it all together. This list is not really in any order, except the first thing. So here it goes!!

1) First, and foremost, I am thankful for Jesus Christ, who came to earth to save me from my sin, and offer me eternal life in Heaven! Even though I did not deserve it, He died for me, and only through Him, am I saved.

2) I am thankful for the wonderful man God placed in my life. Justin is my partner, my friend, and my soul mate. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.

3) I am thankful for each of the wonderful children God has given me.

Kayla is a beautiful, smart little girl. She reminds me of myself. She has a warm heart and is sensitive to others. With one look into her sparkling blue eyes, you can see to her heart. Oh how I love her.

Braeden is a handsome, bright boy. He is a little (okay a lot) wild a times, and loves to explore the world. He also has a sensitive side, and loves to snuggle. I see Justin in him, especially when looking at his beautiful hazel eyes. That boy will melt hearts, he already has mine!

Elaina is a beautiful little doll. She is funny and loves to dance and play. She is a little stubborn at times (which I have been told I was too!!). With one look into her beautiful brown eyes, you can tell she is filled with love. She sends joy to my heart.

4) I am thankful for my parents. Who have guided and supported me no matter what. My mom is my best friend and stood by me when the world failed me. My dad would always tell me never to give up on my dreams; I could do anything I put my mind to. I love them very much and am very excited about their upcoming trip to see us here in Estonia. December 26^th cannot come any faster!!

5) I am thankful for my sisters. Even though we did not always get along (what siblings do?). We love each other very much.

Debbie, my older sister, is who, I have always admired. Every little sister wants to be like her big sis, and I did too. I still admire her for being who she is, going to school while working, and still maintaining her family. She is a good mom and wife. She has a genuine heart that not everyone sees. I miss times like the ones we shared when we were young. I love her so much. Maybe more than she knows.

Jamie, my little sister in the middle, is also someone I admire. She is also taking school right now along with taking care of her family. She is a good mom and wife. We used to stay up on the weekends playing Barbie’s, school, and doctor. I miss those times as well. I love her very much as well.

April, my youngest sister, is ten years younger than I am. She is also in school, and I admire her as well. She had a heart condition as a child that kept her from many things, but she did not let it hold her back. Instead, she has chosen to become a doctor and combat heart problems. I remember sharing a bed with her right up until I got married! She would come down the hall with her blanket and ask if she could sleep in my room. I did not mind the extra company. She was always like my real live baby. I miss times with her. I love her very much too.

6) I am thankful for my in-laws. How many people can say that?? I have two sets of in-laws and I am very blessed to have them in my life. They all love my children and me, just the way we are. They love us and support us. They have raised an awesome son, who is wonderful to me. I love them very much.

7) I am thankful for the rest of my family. I come from a close family, so family to me is just not my immediate family, but aunts, uncles, and cousins too. I love holidays because I get to see all of them and catch up. Oh how I love all of the wonderful times we have shared!

8) I am thankful for my friends. I have many friends in different categories. Those from Baylor, Mother Francis, here in Tallinn and church family. They are all dear to my heart. I have special memories from both of the places I worked, Baylor and Mother Francis, and with our church family as well. I was truly blessed to work with such awesome people who let me into their lives and continue to pray and support me. Our church family is dear to my heart. I love that we come from a praying body of believers. Here in Tallinn, I have met some wonderful women too, who also have welcomed me and support me. God has provided special people along my path, and I am very grateful for them.

So that is the list. It really turned out not to be what I was thankful for but Who I am thankful for! I hope you enjoyed it! I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, we all have so much to be thankful for!

We have just finished our first six weeks of homeschooling, and it has been going good. With Braeden we have learned about fossils, made a volcano, looked at dirt, read 6 books, and much much more!! With Kayla, we have learned about Indians, I read 3 books to her, and she has read 3 books on her own! We have learned about animals, and how to use them in an apologetic way to prove against evolution. It has been quite interesting and fun! Elaina also likes to join in on the science experiments and readings. Justin is also teaching the kids this year. He has been a huge help.

The kids have also started playing baseball, once a week. They are learning the basics right now, but are enjoying it. The team is a group of kids from the international school here in Tallinn, so they all speak English. It has been a good way for the kids to spend time with other kids.

Justin has started the training sessions for the evangelism training. The first one went well with five people coming. Each of these people had a heart for evangelism, but needed better tools to use. Please continue for these sessions throughout this year and next.We continue to help with the kid's club at the Hope church, and are enjoying that as well. We do games and crafts, we have had about 8-10 kids coming each time.

Thank you for continuing to support and pray for us. We love each of you. That is all from our neck of the woods. We would love to hear from you, write if you have the time!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!